Stereo Instrumental Music

Often hailed as a golden age, Ethiopian music of the 1970s is more than just nostalgia—it’s a continuum of innovation. At the heart of this evolution was The Ibex Band, later known as The Roha Band, a defining force behind Ethiopia’s greatest stars: Aster Aweke, Tilahun Gessesse, Girma Beyene, and Mahmoud Ahmed.
Emerging from the Soul Echos Band, Ibex reshaped Ethiopian music, blending traditional 6/8 rhythms with Western influences like Motown and The Beatles. Led by Giovanni Rico (bass) and Selam “Selamino” Seyoum (guitar), they modernized the chickchicka rhythm, creating a sound both rooted and forward-thinking. Their impact extended beyond performance—their instruments, arrangements, and relentless output (over 250 albums, 2,500 songs) set new standards.
Stereo Instrumental Music (1976) is a rare gem from this era, recorded at the Ras Hotel Ballroom in Addis Ababa. Thanks to Swedish sound engineer Karl-Gustav Lundgren and Ethiopia’s first fourtrack recorder, Ibex captured their intricate compositions under the looming political constraints of the time. Shortly after, The Voice of Gospel Radio (which supplied the equipment) folded, making such recordings nearly impossible in the following years.
Despite curfews and restrictions, Ibex never stopped. They toured across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, shaping Ethiopian music even as the landscape changed. Their music remains timeless—a bridge between past, present, and future. Stereo Instrumental Music is not just a rediscovery; it’s a testament to their enduring legacy.